Most credit cards cannot withdraw cash at ATMs, but some will let you for a fee
A credit card cash advance is a withdrawal of cash from an ATM using your credit card instead of a debit card. Most credit card issuers allow this, but it is not the same as swiping your card at a store. The ATM treats it as a loan against your credit limit, not a transfer from a bank account.
When you use a credit card at an ATM, you pay two fees when ready: an ATM operator fee (usually $2 to $5) and a cash advance fee from your card issuer (typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn). Interest on the cash advance starts accruing the same day — there is no grace period like there is for regular purchases. If you withdraw $200, you might pay $10 to $15 in fees alone, plus interest that compounds daily until you pay it back.
Because of these costs, using a credit card at an ATM should be a last resort, not a regular habit. If you need cash regularly, a debit card or a trip to your bank's branch is far cheaper.
Key Takeaways
- Credit card cash advances charge both an ATM operator fee and a cash advance fee from your issuer, totaling 5 to 10 percent of the amount withdrawn.
- Interest on a cash advance begins when ready with no grace period, unlike regular credit card purchases.
- You can use most credit cards at any ATM that displays your card's network logo (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover).
- Some credit cards marketed to people rebuilding credit or with no credit history may not allow cash advances at all.
- Your credit card issuer sets a separate cash advance limit, which may be lower than your overall credit limit.
How to withdraw cash using your credit card at an ATM
The process is nearly identical to using a debit card. Insert your credit card into an ATM that displays your card network's logo — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Enter your PIN (the same one you use for debit transactions, or one you set up with your issuer if you have never used the card at an ATM before). Select "Withdrawal" or "Cash Advance," choose your amount, and complete the transaction.
If you do not know your PIN, call the customer service number on the back of your card before you go to the ATM. Some issuers will reset it over the phone when ready; others mail a new one. A few allow you to set a PIN online through their mobile app or website.
Not all ATMs accept credit cards — many are debit-only. Look for the Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover logo on the machine. Bank ATMs in your issuer's network are your best bet; they often charge lower operator fees or none at all. Independent ATMs in convenience stores, bars, and casinos typically charge $3 to $5 per transaction.
Fees and interest charges on credit card cash advances
A cash advance triggers three separate costs. First, the ATM operator fee is charged by whoever owns the machine — usually $2 to $5. Second, your card issuer charges a cash advance fee, typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn (some cards charge a flat $5 to $10 minimum instead). Third, interest accrues when ready at the cash advance rate, which is often higher than your regular purchase APR.
Example: You withdraw $200 from an independent ATM using a card with a 5 percent cash advance fee and a 25 percent cash advance APR. You pay $4 to the ATM operator and $10 to your issuer (5 percent of $200), for $14 in when ready fees. If you pay back the $200 in full the next day, you still owe roughly $1.37 in interest. If you carry the balance for a month, interest alone will exceed $40.
Check your card's terms or call your issuer to learn your specific cash advance fee percentage, cash advance APR, and cash advance limit. These details are in your cardholder agreement or on your issuer's website under "Rates and Fees."
Which cards allow cash advances and which do not
Most standard credit cards — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards issued by major banks — allow cash advances. However, some cards marketed to people with poor or no credit history may not. Secured credit cards, student cards, and certain store cards sometimes block cash advances entirely to reduce risk for the issuer.
Your issuer also sets a cash advance limit separate from your overall credit limit. You might have a $5,000 credit limit but only a $1,000 cash advance limit. This limit appears in your cardholder agreement or online account dashboard. If you try to withdraw more than your cash advance limit, the ATM will decline the transaction.
To find out whether your card allows cash advances, check your cardholder agreement, log into your online account, or call the customer service number on the back of your card. Ask specifically for your cash advance limit and your cash advance APR.
When a credit card cash advance makes sense
A credit card cash advance is rarely the right choice, but there are narrow situations where it may be necessary. If you are traveling internationally and your debit card is lost or stolen, a cash advance from a credit card you still have access to might be your only option to get cash. If you face a genuine emergency and have no other way to access funds, a short-term cash advance is cheaper than some alternatives like payday loans or overdraft fees.
In almost every other situation, there is a better option. If you need cash regularly, use your debit card or visit your bank branch. If you are short on money, a personal loan or a 0 percent balance transfer offer (if you have another card) will cost less than a cash advance. If you are in a true financial crisis, contact a nonprofit credit counselor through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) — they offer free or low-cost guidance.
How cash advances affect your credit score
A cash advance itself does not appear on your credit report as a separate item. However, it does increase your credit utilization — the percentage of your available credit you are using. If you have a $5,000 credit limit and you take a $1,000 cash advance, your utilization jumps to 20 percent. High utilization can lower your credit score, even if you pay the balance in full the next month.
The damage is temporary. Once you pay off the cash advance, your utilization drops and your score begins to recover. But if you carry the balance month to month, the high utilization will drag on your score for as long as the debt remains.
Alternatives to using a credit card at an ATM
If you need cash, explore these options first. A debit card withdrawal from your bank's ATM is free and when ready. A bank branch visit lets you withdraw cash over the counter with no fee. A cashback transaction at a grocery store or retailer lets you get cash with a debit card purchase at no extra charge. A balance transfer to another 0 percent APR card (if you may have access to) costs less than a cash advance if you need to borrow money short-term.
If you do not have a bank account or debit card, a prepaid card or a basic checking account at a community bank or credit union may be cheaper than relying on credit card cash advances. If you are facing a money emergency, a credit counselor can help you understand your options without pressure to borrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any credit card at any ATM?
You can use a credit card at any ATM that displays your card's network logo (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). However, not all ATMs accept credit cards — many are debit-only. Bank ATMs in your issuer's network usually charge lower fees than independent ATMs.
What is the difference between a credit card cash advance and a debit card withdrawal?
A debit card withdrawal pulls money from your bank account with no fee (at your bank's ATM) or a small fee (at another bank's ATM). A credit card cash advance borrows against your credit limit and charges an when ready fee plus interest from day one. Debit is almost always cheaper.
Do I need a PIN to use my credit card at an ATM?
Yes. If you have never used your credit card at an ATM, you may not have a PIN set up. Call your issuer's customer service number to set one or reset an old one. Some issuers allow you to set a PIN through their mobile app or website.
Will a cash advance hurt my credit score?
A cash advance increases your credit utilization, which can lower your score temporarily. The damage is usually small and temporary if you pay it off quickly. If you carry the balance, high utilization will drag on your score for as long as the debt remains.
What if my credit card does not allow cash advances?
Some cards, especially secured or student cards, block cash advances. If your card declines at the ATM, contact your issuer to confirm whether your card allows them. If not, use a debit card or visit your bank branch instead.